A wave of progressive candidates is mounting primary challenges against established Democratic lawmakers across the United States, signaling a growing rift within the party ahead of the 2026 elections. Durham County Commissioner Nida Allam, backed by prominent progressive figures and organizations, has launched a campaign against Representative Valerie Foushee in North Carolina, criticizing the incumbent's response to federal funding cuts and vowing to fight for grassroots interests. Nationally, groups like Leaders We Deserve and Justice Democrats are endorsing a new generation of progressive candidates in key races from California to New York, often targeting long-serving incumbents and pushing the party further left. These efforts reflect a broader strategy by the party's left wing to reshape Democratic leadership and policy priorities, as debates over generational change and ideological direction intensify.